Permanent Mission of Papua New Guinea to the United Nations in New York

Permanent Mission of Papua New Guinea to the United Nations in New York Official page of the Permanent Mission of Papua New Guinea to the United Nations in New York.

Representing PNG through diplomacy, multilateral engagement, and global partnership.

United Nations Peacebuilding High-level side event on National Prevention Strategies, Tuesday, 23 June 2026, United Nati...
06/27/2026

United Nations Peacebuilding High-level side event on National Prevention Strategies, Tuesday, 23 June 2026, United Nations Headquarters, New York
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On Tuesday 23 June, Papua New Guinea, through Ambassador Fred Sarufa, participated as a Panelist at the Joint Side Event held today at the United Nations, under theme “Partnering for Prevention: An Evidence- Based Approach to National Prevention Strategies.” This was jointly organized with Australia, New York University Center on International Cooperation (NYU CIC), Angola and Sierra Leone. Australia’s Foreign Minister the Hon. Senator Penny Wong delivered the keynote address via a pre-recorded video. Other partners of the side event included the UN Office for Partnerships, the UN Peacebuilding and Peace Support Office, the World Bank’s Fragility, Conflict and Violence Group.

The meeting was an integral part of the inaugural United Nations Peacebuilding Week, where UN member States and multistakeholders focused their attention on the importance of fostering international peace and security, particularly at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and conflicts that continues to threaten international peace and security and the attendant consequences adversely impacting people and nations worldwide.

The Side Event was focused on the role of National Prevention Strategies for conflict prevention and peacebuilding and sustaining peace and sharing of experiences and lessons learnt and how this could be amplified to support global peace and security and more importantly meaningfully assist countries in conflict situation to resolve it peacefully and for a lasting period. It also provided the opportunity for the New York University Center on International Cooperation to launch their “Policy Guidance for Effective National Prevention Strategies”, as a tool to assist counties and relevant stakeholders address their national prevention strategies to mitigate and address conflicts and foster peace and security.

Ambassador Sarufa shared Papua New Guinea’s “2025 – 2030 National Prevention Strategy on Building Peace and Boosting Resilience”, launched by Prime Minister Hon. James Marape on 3 September 2025 in Port Moresby, and witnessed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during his landmark visit to Papua New Guinea, the first for a serving UN Secretary-General in the last 50 years.

The key messages Ambassador Sarufa highlighted in the meeting, which was well received by the participants, included:

1. Papua New Guinea Government’s clear recognition that safety and security are critical building blocks for a peaceful and prosperous society and nation, and this has become the utmost priority for the country under its Medium Term Development Plan IV.

2. Papua New Guinea’s recognition of the complex drivers of conflict and that there are no easy answers but the importance of setting in place key actions under the National Prevention Strategy that will tackle the scourge of violence and conflict.

3. The critical importance of accounting for context-specific conflict prevention and peacebuilding and sustaining peace; This approach, he underscored, helps ensure that prevention efforts are nationally owned, locally grounded, and responsive to the country’s diverse realities;

4. Evidence-based approach to address peacebuilding and sustaining it; The crucial importance of whole-of-society approach that is inclusive of all stakeholders for peacebuilding and sustaining peace and ensuring resilience of the peoples and communities affected;

5. Conflict prevention requires a coherent, long-term and nationally-owned approach, with effective and efficient central coordination across government and between national, provincial and local level governments and the communities; and

6. The importance of partnerships from multistakeholders, be it from the private sector, multilateral and bilateral development partners, civil society and faith-based organizations (churches). This, however, must not supplant national leadership and ownership of the peacebuilding process in the country but rather lend support where it is required.

On the “Policy Guidance for Effective National Prevention Strategies”, Ambassador Sarufa stated that it is not a prescriptive model but a tool that has the potential to assist countries identify and address common challenges in their countries, learn from each other’s experiences, and align international support more effectively with national priorities.

Ambassador Sarufa also thanked the important supportive role played by the development partners, including particularly the United Nations system, World Bank and Australia, for the
establishment of the National Prevention Strategy and welcomed other development partners to work with Papua New Guinea in its implementation for national peace and security and as contribution towards fostering global peace and security. He also welcomed and made a special mention in the meeting of the recent former United Nations Resident Coordinator to Papua New Guinea, Mr. Richard Howard, who joined the side event, and who was directly involved in the national process for the “2025 – 2030 National Prevention Strategy on Building Peace and Boosting Resilience”.

Mr. Solomon Kantha, IOM Chief of Mission in Fiji, Receives Human Security Award on behalf of the Pacific Climate Mobilit...
06/27/2026

Mr. Solomon Kantha, IOM Chief of Mission in Fiji, Receives Human Security Award on behalf of the Pacific Climate Mobility Programme
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New York, Monday, 22 June 2026

The Papua New Guinea Mission witnessed the 2026 inaugural Human Security Awards Ceremony at the UN Headquarters, where the Pacific Climate Change, Migration and Human Security (PCCMHS) Programme and the International Office for Migration, based in Suva, Fiji, was recognized for its pioneering contribution to addressing the impacts of climate change on human mobility across the Pacific region.

The ceremony was convened by the Group of Friends of Human Security at the United Nations, co-chaired by the Permanent Missions of Japan, Costa Rica and Senegal, reflecting the Group’s commitment to advancing people-centred approaches to peace, development and human rights and dignity.

Ambassador Fred Sarufa represented Papua New Guinea at the ceremony, joined by other Pacific region representatives, United Nations member states, officials, development partners and stakeholders in marking this milestone occasion. The Award was received by Mr. Solomon Kantha, on behalf of the PCCMHS Programme and its implementing partners, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Platform on Disaster Displacement (PDD), the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), Pacific Island governments, civil society organizations and
local communities.

Since its establishment in 2018, the Programme has supported 15 countries in the Pacific region, including Papua New Guinea, in addressing the growing challenges posed by climate change, including displacement, migration and planned relocation. Through a human security-centred and rights-based approach, the Programme has strengthened resilience, supported vulnerable communities and advanced regional cooperation on climate mobility.

In accepting the award, Mr. Kantha paid tribute to the people and the governments of the Pacific region and reaffirmed the Programme’s commitment to supporting communities on the front lines of climate change. “This award belongs to the people of the Pacific. It recognizes the resilience of our communities and the collective efforts to address climate change. Climate change is not a future threat for the Pacific; it is a present reality affecting lives and livelihoods. This recognition strengthens our resolve to continue supporting Pacific nations and communities as they adapt to a changing climate,” Mr. Kantha said.

The Papua New Guinea Mission warmly welcomed and congratulated the Suva office of the International Office for Migration for the Award and the international recognition of Pacific regional leadership in advancing practical and people-centred solutions to climate-induced mobility challenges.

Ambassador Sarufa stated that the Award reflects the Pacific region’s climate change, human security and sustainable development leadership and the importance of shaping national, regional and international discourse, preparedness and pathways to addressing this critical
issue. He further commended the outstanding leadership demonstrated by Mr. Kantha, noting that it is a source of immense pride for Papua New Guinea to see one of its own citizens leading Pacific regional efforts that is not only delivering tangible benefits to communities across the
Pacific region but also elevating Pacific regional priorities on the global stage.

The PCCMHS Programme has notably supported the development of the Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility and its accompanying Implementation Plan, the first regional framework of its kind, globally. Grounded in human security principles, human rights and Pacific values, the framework provides a comprehensive roadmap for addressing climate mobility challenges across the region. It also resonates with the spirit of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent for regional cooperation. Given the critical and growing importance of this issue, Papua New Guinea remains committed to working with other Pacific Island countries, regional organizations and international partners to strengthen resilience, protect vulnerable communities and advance Pacific-led solutions to climate mobility challenges.

It was also an opportune time for Mr. Kantha to pay a courtesy call on Ambassador Sarufa at the Papua New Guinea Mission and he and his delegation also met and exchanged views on migration and human security issues with the twelve Pacific Small Island Developing States
(PSIDS) Ambassadors to the United Nations in New York and for which he was appreciative.

***End of an Era and the start of another for Papua New Guinea Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, Unit...
05/01/2026

***End of an Era and the start of another for Papua New Guinea Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, United States of America 🇵🇬🇺🇳***

Today marks the end of an era and the beginning of another for the Papua New Guinea Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York. After nearly 30 years, the Mission has officially closed its doors for the final time at its current location in New York City and has relocated to a new address.

That office was more than just a workplace; it was home, where Papua New Guinea's voice was not only amplified on the global stage through the United Nations, but where international friendships and partnerships were forged and consolidated. Over the years, it welcomed high-level dignitaries from abroad and from home, including the most recent visit by Prime Minister Hon. James Marape in September 2025. It was also a hub for engagement with the United Nations system, other development partners, fellow United Nations Member States, other political leaders, and citizens and friends of Papua New Guinea, where the country's multilateral and bilateral priorities were forged and fostered.

As we close this chapter, we do so with a deep sense of nostalgia and gratitude, and pay special tribute to the important role it served Papua New Guinea for nearly three decades of the country's 50 years of nationhood.

On 1 May 2026, we begin a new chapter from a new address in New York City. We do so with a strong commitment and resolve to constructively build on and consolidate Papua New Guinea's United Nations Charter commitments and obligations for international peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights protection and advancement.

Also, foremost, to ensure the country's national development priorities at the premier global multilateral forum – the United Nations – is better served for the benefit of all Papua New Guineans and for our Pacific region and beyond, guided by the recently launched Foreign Policy White Paper, focused on Strategic Partnerships for Security and Economic Prosperity.

This important commitment remains steadfast and unequivocal, as the Mission forges a new chapter in Papua New Guinea's multilateral diplomacy, also guided by the principle of One People, One Nation, One Country and the founding and enduring national foreign policy of Friend to All and Enemy to None.

Last week was an unprecedented week for the Mission, where four different delegations from Papua New Guinea were receive...
02/18/2026

Last week was an unprecedented week for the Mission, where four different delegations from Papua New Guinea were received and supported in a week. These included the Honourable Ian Ling-Stuckey, Minister for Treasury, who had official business with the United Nations; a group of students and their teachers from Paradise College in Port Moresby for a UN Model International Conference at New York's Columbia University; a female senior legal officer from the Internal Revenue Commission, Mrs. Vanessa Mamu, who joined global negotiations on a new international treaty on international tax cooperation for two weeks; and Ms. Florence Jaukae Kamel, renowned Papua New Guinea string bag designer known fondly as the 'Bilum Meri'.

Kundu New York was honoured and pleased to support Ms. Florence Jaukae Kamel, who made her successful debut at the iconic and prestigious New York Fashion Show on Saturday, 14 February 2026, from 8:30 pm to 10:00 pm at the Gotham Hall in New York. It was a defining moment for Ms. Jaukae Kamel in her personal career and journey as an entrepreneur and leader in a field not many have dared to take on in the country. It also marked Papua New Guinea's foray onto the world stage in the fashion industry. She was ably joined by Ms. Lorraine Umaropi of the Amuni Women's Foundation of Finschafen, Morobe Province.

The New York Fashion Week is a premier biannual event held in Manhattan in February and September each year, where designers debut collections to global media, buyers, and industry professionals. As one of the Big Four fashion weeks (New York, London, Paris, Milan), it serves as a critical and acclaimed launchpad for emerging talent to gain visibility, secure retail orders, and network. Only the best artists and fashion designers, known globally, are invited to debut their work on the New York Fashion runway each year.

Papua New Guinea's Permanent Representative and Ambassador to the United Nations in New York, Ambassador Fred Sarufa, joined by his staff and the Papua New Guinea Embassy in Washington DC Acting Ambassador Cephas Kayo, his spouse, and the Papua New Guinea diaspora in New York, as well as colleagues from Vanuatu and Australia's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, bore witness to the historic debut by the 'Bilum Meri' on the New York Fashion runway. The 'Bilum Meri's' runway entrance was marked by a huge round of applause from the audience, particularly Papua New Guineans waving the national flag, and it laid the foundation for her potential invitation to the Paris Fashion Week in October 2026.

Prior to the runway show, Ms. Florence Jaukae Kamel and her team paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Sarufa and his staff on Friday, 13 February 2026, who warmly welcomed them. Ambassador Sarufa highlighted that this was a rare and unique opportunity, as it was the first ever for a Papua New Guinean artist to be featured on the iconic New York Fashion Week Show. This represents a significant milestone for the women of Papua New Guinea. The majesty of the humble 'bilum' is now seen not just as a fashion accessory, but as a powerful symbol of culture, creativity, and women's leadership and strength in the country. Woven by hand and rich in meaning, the bilum tells the stories of our mothers, daughters, and communities whose skills have transcended generations, cradled the country's development, and today, across oceans. The narrative of the 'bilum' epitomizes the spirit of One People, One Nation, One Country – Papua New Guinea, said Ambassador Sarufa.

Ms. Jaukae shared that, as a bilum designer, she is also a mentor and trainer for women and girls in the community, teaching them the art of bilum weaving while connecting them directly to markets both at the national and international levels. Currently, Bilum Meri has over 54 outlets all over the world and has partnered with not-for-profits such as 'Among Equals' of Sydney, Australia, where the bilums are sold at a niche price for high-end clientele. Her work has also been featured at the Australian National Museum, the Smithsonian, as well as private art galleries.

On behalf of the Government of Papua New Guinea, Ambassador Sarufa congratulated and commended Ms. Jaukae for the great work done in promoting Papua New Guinea through bilum designs as a fashion icon. It has not only placed the country on the world map but has also benefited communities and households in the country, an achievement that we, as Papua New Guineans, should be proud of, said Ambassador Sarufa. He further added that the world will get to witness what Papua New Guinea is through our bilums, which is truly a special moment. He further expressed the country's best wishes and support to Ms. Jaukae and her team at the New York Fashion Show debut.

It was also an opportune time for the Mission staff to purchase bilums in support of the Amuni Women's Foundation and the women of Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province. 🇵🇬

Paradise High School is currently in New York, USA representing Papua New Guinea at the World International Model United...
02/10/2026

Paradise High School is currently in New York, USA representing Papua New Guinea at the World International Model United Nations Conference from 9 – 13 February 2026. The delegation comprised fourteen (14) students and two (2) supervising teachers.

The conference will provide the students with the opportunity to engage in global discussions, develop leadership and interpersonal skills, gain firsthand experience in international diplomacy and participate in meaningful cultural exchanges with other countries.

Today, the students payed a courtesy visit to the Papua New Guinea Permanent Mission to the United Nations to meet His Excellency Mr. Fred Sarufa, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of PNG to the United Nations and the Mission staff.

The students were honoured to receive a briefing by Ambassador Sarufa on key issues of importance during their visit to New York. Some of the key issues highlighted during the briefing include:

✅The role and purpose of the United Nations;
✅An overview of the United Nations main organs and the organizational structure;
✅The importance of Papua New Guinea’s engagement and priorities at the United Nations, guided by the Government’s development priorities and plans under the Vision 2050, the Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030, the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP4) and Reset PNG@50 Agenda;
✅ Expectations of the students as good Ambassadors for the country; and
✅Practical guidance on protocol and safety awareness while in New York.

Ambassador further emphasized that this is indeed a rare and significant occasion for a school from Papua New Guinea to bring a group of students to New York and to the United States for such an epic and meaningful milestone in their educational journey. He stressed that this experience should serve as a springboard for the students’ future careers and inspire them to excel in their life choices.

The Mission also organized a tour of the United Nations Headquarters, to give the students an invaluable opportunity to better understand the United Nations Headquarters and its important role in the international community.

Ambassador Sarufa concuded the meeting by expressing warm congratulations to the students and their school for securing this opportunity, and extended best wishes on behalf of the Government of Papua New Guinea, the Mission staff, and their families for an enjoyable and enriching stay in New York.

Papua New Guinea is participating in the Fourth Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on the UN Framewo...
02/07/2026

Papua New Guinea is participating in the Fourth Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on the UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation, being held at United Nations Headquarters in New York from 2 to 13 February 2026.

Negotiations of the UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation commenced in February 2025 and is expected to be completed in mid-2027. It will be subsequently endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly should there be consensus or a final decision taken.

Papua New Guinea is actively engaged in the current negotiations, with the delegation led by H.E Mr. Fred Sarufa, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Papua New Guinea to the United Nations in New York. He is accompanied by Mrs. Vanessa Mamu, Director (Advising), Legal Services Division, Papua New Guinea Internal Revenue Commission (IRC), Mr. Buri Gari, Minister and Ms. Anna Mokono, First Secretary of the Permanent Mission.

Taxation plays an important role for national development and the importance of a tax system that is protected and supported, including through laws and policies are fundamental. The Marape/Rosso Government has prioritized domestic revenue raising for economic and social development of the country and raising revenue through fair taxation is critical.

Our delegation is therefore committed to contributing constructively to the development of a fair, inclusive and effective global tax cooperation framework that reflects the priorities of developing countries, including Papua New Guinea, to address global taxation challenges, enhance domestic resource mobilization and lend support to achieving the country’s MTDP IV, Vision 2050, Reset PNG@50 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Fourth Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee will conclude on Friday, 13 February 2026.

Papua New Guinea addresses UNDP, UNFPA & UNOPS Executive Board, Tuesday 3 February 2026 🌐H.E. Fred Sarufa, Ambassador an...
02/04/2026

Papua New Guinea addresses UNDP, UNFPA & UNOPS Executive Board, Tuesday 3 February 2026 🌐

H.E. Fred Sarufa, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Papua New Guinea to the United Nations, outlined key priorities for Papua New Guinea’s partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at the First Regular Session of the Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS, during an interactive dialogue with the new UNDP Administrator, Mr. Alexander De Croo.

Key highlights included UNDP’s support to the Bougainville Peace Process, climate and biodiversity action, disaster risk management and institutional reform.

On the UN80 Initiative, PNG expressed support for efforts to make the UN development system more efficient and responsive, while stressing that any proposed institutional reforms, including the UNDP-UNOPS merger, must strengthen and not weaken programme delivery at country level.

Furthermore, His Excellency underscored that reforms should preserve UNDP’s technical expertise, reinforce national ownership of development priorities, and enhance system-wide coherence to ensure tangible results for vulnerable countries.

As part of the Mission’s advocacy work, we maintain an “open door” policy for academic institutions, schools, and organi...
01/16/2026

As part of the Mission’s advocacy work, we maintain an “open door” policy for academic institutions, schools, and organizations within the New York municipality, providing opportunities to learn more about the work we do here at the United Nations 🇺🇳.

This morning, we welcomed students from Xavier High School 🏫, a private Catholic boys’ high school located in Midtown Manhattan. Their visit formed part of the school’s Model United Nations Programme, where students research countries, debate global issues, and learn about diplomacy and international relations.

Ambassador and Permanent Representative H.E Mr. Fred Sarufa gave a brief presentation highlighting key facts about Papua New Guinea and its core priorities on climate change and the environment, peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights..

The students took away valuable insights into Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬 its history, culture, politics, and people and also learned about how small countries like PNG manouver themselves strategically in a large multilateral setting.

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